NFC North: LeQuan Lewis

Well then. It's one thing for me to suggest that free-agent running back Steven Jackson would make some sense for the Green Bay Packers. It's quite another for ESPN.com senior writer John Clayton to make a similar assertion.

Here's how Clayton put it in his most recent mailbag when asked if Packers general manager Ted Thompson might step out of his standard practice and make Jackson a competitive offer:

"I think that would be a great idea. Jackson isn't going to make $7 million this year. Jackson has until the start of free agency to void the last year of his Rams contract. Although the Rams want him back, I think he will hit the market. If that is the case, Thompson could offer $5 million and see whether that could lure Jackson to Green Bay. He would be perfect for that offense."

Once again, we are at the height of the NFL's silly season. When free agency opens next month, Jackson might have already re-signed with the St. Louis Rams or he might be retired. But if he's available, expect outside observers to quickly make the connection to the Packers.